LiterariLeigh

The audience fills the theater, chatter and soft laughter fill the air. The house lights dim, the stage is lit. At the conductor's command, the orchestra begins to play a symphony. How delightful! The musicians play so intently, graceful and lovely and elegant. To an extent.

Now if you're interested in what really happens backstage, in the orchestra pit, and at the rehearsal hall, it's not always pretty. The music industry can be tough, and that includes working as a classical musician. Perhaps not quite on the level of Led Zepplin or Keith Moon in the 70's, Blair Tindall presents a no holds barred, rock and roll world look at life as a working oboist in her book Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music. 

Think only rock stars party hard and use illicit substances to stay awake and keep their edge? Concert musicians have eight hour rehearsals, music lessons, performances, and plenty of competition for the lead seat and solos. Tindall may be banking on scandal, but it's a fascinating look at what can be a cutthroat profession. Maybe the next reality TV series will be "Outrageous in the Orchestra". I'd watch that!